Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain in the bottom of the heel. The plantar fascia ligaments experience a lot of wear and tear in daily life. The physicians at OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® know our Arlington, Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas patients experience this common condition and would like to share information on what causes plantar fasciitis and the symptoms for plantar fasciitis.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic complaints. It is estimated that approximately 20 million individuals are treated for this condition each year.
The plantar fascia is a thin ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot and supports the arch of the foot. Too much pressure on the foot and ligaments can cause damage leading to heel pain, inflammation and heel stiffness.
What causes plantar fasciitis? What are the symptoms for plantar fasciitis? Our pain physicians answer both of those questions.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is designed to absorb the high stress and strain experienced by the foot daily. When too much pressure is applied, the plantar fascia ligaments become damaged or torn. The body’s natural response to the injury is inflammation leading to heel pain and heel stiffness.
Certain risk factors are associated with the cause of plantar fasciitis including an individual being overweight or obese, having high arches, having flat feet and actively participating in sports such as running.
What are the Symptoms for Plantar Fasciitis?
The symptoms for plantar fasciitis include pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The pain and stiffness may be greater after exercise or activity, but not during. Pain may also be experienced with the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning or after a long period of rest.
Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by performing a physical exam to check for foot tenderness and the exact location of the pain. An MRI may also be used to rule out any other injuries such as a fracture. After a diagnosis is reached, the main goal is to reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia ligaments by staying off the foot, applying ice, using arch supports or taking medications. If these at-home treatments do not alleviate the pain, a pain physician may utilize physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or PRP plantar fasciitis injections.
If you would like to learn more on what causes plantar fasciitis and the symptoms for plantar fasciitis, please contact the physicians at OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® in the Arlington, Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas area.